Random Vibration of Degrading, Pinching Systems

A differential equation model to describe pinching, degrading response of hysteretic elements is presented. The model consists of a nonpinching hysteretic element, in series with a "slip‐lock" element. Zero mean response statistics for a single degree of freedom oscillator whose stiffness is described by the series model, computed by equivalent linearization and by Monte Carlo simulation, are compared. The model response statistics are seen to be reasonable estimated by equivalent linearization.